Cardiff City's 'Quiet One' Back On Top Form

Cardiff City have roared back from a spell of poor form with 10 goals and two crushing wins. It has not gone un-noticed that those two games have co-incided with the return from suspension of Stephen McPhail after he was sent off in the 1-0 win at Reading - the last game we won before defeats to QPR and Sheff Wed.

A sparkling showing against Derby County saw McPhail contribute to 4 of the 6 goals including some inch perfect through balls. The Irishman looked a new man as he added impetus, ambition and thrust to our midfield. Gone were the nervous turns, backwards passing and negative football.

That was followed up by another creative and influential game against Watford and it is fair to say this is the best football we`ve seen from McPhail since his first season at the club. Initially he dictates our play with sharp, incisive passes but gradually lost confidence and was too easily negated. Last season was particularly disappointing after negligible impact and sendings off against rivals Swansea City.

McPhail is one of the quietest people within the club, and yet can have a huge impact on the pitch. He has not been loved by the fans for some time now, but with performances like these - he is incredibly effective and valuable. He kept Joe Ledley out, no mean feat, and deserved a lengthy run in the team. Many felt he would, or should, have been allowed to leave before this season - a fresh start was needed….apparently not!